According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million American adults struggle with anxiety, making it the most common psychiatric disorder in the country.
Anxiety encompasses a number of disorders, each of which has its own signs and symptoms. Psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, tranquilizers and sedatives, are used to help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Xanax is prescribed for the following conditions:. Panic disorder is a debilitating condition that causes episodes of intense, overwhelming fear. Xanax can help prevent panic attacks, enabling users to lead more productive, fulfilling lives.
In a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, patients with panic disorder took alprazolam for three weeks to manage phobic behaviors, social avoidance and general anxiety. I also often receive referrals for patients who are on these medications and reluctant to discontinue them. There has been increasing attention into long-term risks of benzodiazepines, including potential for addiction, overdose and cognitive impairment. The overdose death rate among patients receiving both benzodiazepines and opioids is 10 times higher than those only receiving opioids, and benzo misuse is a serious concern.
Benzodiazepines are a class of anti-anxiety medications, or anxiolytics, that increase the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter, a molecule that helps brain cells, or neurons, communicate with each other. GABA receptors are widely available across the brain, and benzodiazepines work to reduce anxiety by enhancing GABA inhibitory function.
The benzo family includes diazepam, or Valium; clonazepam, or Klonopin; lorazepam, or Ativan; chlordiazepoxide, or Librium; and the one most commonly known to the pop culture, alprazolan, or Xanax, among others.
Different benzos have similar effects, but they differ in strength, how long it takes for them to work and half-life, a measure of how long the drug stays in your system. For example, while diazepam has a half-life of up to 48 hours, the half-life of alprazolam can be as short as six hours. This is important, as a shorter half-life is linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence.
That is one reason physicians typically are not excited about prescribing Xanax for long periods of time. When benzos were introduced to the market in the s, there was excitement as they were considered safer compared to barbiturates , which had been used to treat anxiety.
By the s, benzos made it to the list of the most highly prescribed medications. Benzos are mainly used to treat anxiety disorders, such as phobias, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The National Prescribing Service NPS recommends that benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, are not recommended as first-line treatment for anxiety or panic disorder. Benzodiazepines should be reserved for short-term use in patients who have not responded to at least two other therapies for example, psychological therapy, antidepressants.
The NPS fact sheet Anxiety disorders — which treatment for what anxiety disorder? NPS News 65, provides information on evidence-based treatment strategies for anxiety disorders. The fact sheet is available on the NPS website. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners RACGP has issued a health alert on rescheduling of alprazolam to a Schedule 8 poison, to provide general practitioners with some management strategies when a patient requests a prescription for alprazolam. DACAS has prepared a fact sheet, Withdrawal from benzodiazepine dependence , for information about benzodiazepine withdrawal in a general practice setting.
Therapeutic guidelines: psychotropic provides advice on dose reduction and diazepam dose equivalents for benzodiazepines. For hour confidential drug and alcohol counselling, and treatment information, patients, families and health professionals may phone DirectLine. Medicines and Poisons Regulation Department of Health.
Skip to main content. Home Public health Medicines and poisons Patient Schedule 8 treatment permits Information relating to specific drugs that are misused Alprazolam permits and prescription guidelines. Alprazolam permits and prescription guidelines. On this page. Key messages Alprazolam — indications for use Requirements for permits to prescribe alprazolam Alprazolam — general information about abuse Alprazolam — reasons for rescheduling Further information.
This heightens the risk for addiction. In fact, even people who have no prior addiction issues develop an addiction to Xannies. If you heavily drink alcohol, you should NEVER consider taking Xanax because this could lead to severe depression, suicidal behavior and even death. Instead of treating your mental condition, taking Xanax may only worsen your symptoms. Faking a condition or doctor shopping can have serious repercussions. Doctor shopping is the practice of seeing multiple doctors just to get a prescription.
This is an illegal practice and depending on where you live, you can go to prison or fined thousands of dollars. Avoid taking medicines that are not prescribed specifically to yourself as it can have negative and even fatal effects.
Even if someone you know is taking Xans, do not assume that it is a suitable drug for you. If you see these pills advertised on social media or sold in the streets, do not at any cost or reason take these medicines.
These pills are often counterfeit versions often laced with a very potent and deadly tranquilizer called fentanyl. There have been many deaths reported caused by these fake Xanax drugs. If you feel that you are suffering from Xanax abuse or any withdrawal symptoms, getting a prescription is not always the answer. You can reach out to us at Lighthouse Treatment Center where we can help you heal. Recovery is possible and help is available today.
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